𝗠𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗹-𝗲-𝗠𝗮𝗵𝘁𝗮𝗮𝗯

غمِ عشق ۵۔

The simple act of caring is heroic~

- Edward Albert

Hamza was deep in slumber when he heard a faint knock on his door. He groaned in frustration, well aware that everyone knew he was a light sleeper and loathed being disturbed. Glancing at the clock, he saw that it was 2 in the middle of the night.

Nevertheless, he grumbled a sleepy "come in" in his rough, drowsy voice.

Shaazil entered slowly, dressed casually in a t-shirt and trousers, as if he hadn't slept at all. Despite being brothers, they lacked the close bond often associated with siblings. This was partly due to Shaazil's reserved nature and his absence during Hamza's worst heartbreak when he needed him the most. They both had built a wall between them, and neither had made an effort to tear it down.

"What happened?!!"

Hamza's voice carried a hint of annoyance.

"Woh Airah ko bukhaar hai aur ghar ke baaki dou digital thermometers kharab padhe hain!!"

(Well, Airah has a fever, and the only two digital thermometers in the house are malfunctioning!)

Shaazil uttered.

"Is it high?!!"

Hamza asked, and instantly sprang up from his bed.

"I am not sure!"

Shaazil shrugged before leaving the room after taking thermometer from the first aid box from the cupboard, with Hamza following.

Shaazil entered Airah's room, while Hamza hesitated outside, not ready to face her. Inside, the room was occupied by Bijaan, Haya, Husna, and Shaazil. Shaazil stood quietly in a corner, his gaze fixed on the floor. He was only there because of Bijaan's insistence.

Hamza left only after ensuring that Airah didn't have a high temperature. He genuinely cared about her.

"It's probably best if I keep my distance, Airah!"

He whispered to himself as he returned to his room.

________

Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder~

-Plato

Husna had achieved a GPA of 4.0 in her fifth semester, which had earned her a scholarship. To celebrate, Husna and Haya were sitting in a nearby five-star restaurant close to Husna's university. After much persuasion, Bijaan allowed them to go to the restaurant on their own. They had also tried to convince Airah to join them, but she declined.

Unbeknownst to them, Shaazil was seated at the table behind theirs. In front of him sat a girl with a warm smile. In a rare display of courtesy, Shaazil smiled in return, which was quite unlike his usual demeanor.

He awkwardly shifted in his seat, anxiously waiting for his secretary who was stuck in traffic. Shaazil offered another nervous smile to the girl across from him and muttered curses under his breath directed at his secretary, who was supposed to have an important file for their discussion.

His eyes wandered around the restaurant, avoiding any contact with the girl who was making him nervous. The girl, named Esha, was his client. As his gaze settled on Haya, it refused to leave. She looked exquisite in her rust-colored hijab and nude beige dress, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she conversed with Husna. He had never seen her so lively before; it was a new side of her that captivated his attention. He averted his eyes, only to glance at her every ten seconds in those five minutes.